Methods and systems for installing screen protectors for electronic devices

ABSTRACT

In some embodiments, the instant invention is a kit having at least: a tray, having: a first cutout, a second cutout, and a third cutout; and a protective film for an electronic device, where a first alignment tab and a second alignment tab are attached to the protective film, where the at least one first alignment tab includes a first alignment portion that extends from an edge of the protective film, where the at least one second alignment tab includes a second alignment portion that extends from the edge of the protective film, where the first alignment portion of the first alignment tab matches a shape of the second cutout and where the second alignment portion of the second alignment tab matches a shape of the third cutout so that the first alignment tab and the second alignment tab are capable of aligning the protective film within the first cutout.

TECHNICAL FIELD

In some embodiments, the instant invention relates to methods andsystems for installing screen protectors for electronic devices.

BACKGROUND

Advances in many technology areas have resulted in a proliferation ofelectronic devices. Many of these devices are portable in nature.Cellular telephones, digital music (e.g., MP3) players, personal digitalassistants, satellite radios, laptop computers and portablevideo/picture players, are examples of electronic devices in use today.Because these devices are used frequently, it is likely that they willbe dropped, banged against other objects, and receive other types ofabuse, whether deliberate or accidental. That is why, many of thesedevices have screens that can be scratched or damaged. Typically, eachof these devices can be either sold together with or users canseparately purchase a film that is designed to shield a screen of theelectronic device from various negative factors such scratches, fingerstamps, liquid spills, etc.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In some embodiments, the instant invention provides for a kit thatincludes at leaste the following components: a tray, where the tray has:i) a first cutout, where the first cutout extends from a top surface ofthe tray into a body of the tray, and where a first cavity of the firstcutout has a first shape that matches a portion of an electronic devicehereby enabling the portion of the electronic device to be capable ofbeing at least partially placed within the first cavity such that afirst surface of the portion of the electronic device faces a firstbottom surface of the first cavity; ii) at least one second cutout,where the at least one second cutout extends from a first sidewall ofthe first cavity of the first cutout into the body of the tray and wherethe at least one second has a second cavity that has a second shape; andiii) at lest one third cutout, where the at least one third cutoutextends from a second sidewall of the first cavity of the first cutoutinto the body of the tray, and where the at least one third cutout has athird cavity that has a third shape; and a protective film for theelectronic device, where the protective film has a fourth shape that isequal to a fifth shape of the first surface of the portion of theelectronic device, where at least one first alignment tab and at leastone second alignment tab are attached to a first film surface of theprotective film, where the at least one first alignment tab comprises afirst alignment portion that extends from an edge of the protectivefilm, where the at least one second alignment tab comprises a secondalignment portion that extends from the edge of the protective film,where the protective film has a second film surface that is capable ofadhering to the first surface of the portion of the electronic device,where the first alignment portion of the at least one first alignmenttab matches the second shape of the second cavity of the at least onesecond cutout and where the second alignment portion of the at least onesecond alignment tab matches the third shape of the at least one thirdcutout so that: i) the at least one first alignment tab and the at leastone second alignment tab are capable of aligning the protective filmwithin the first cavity of the first cutout when the protective film isplaced within the first cavity of the first cutout, hereby resulting inthe second film surface being aligned with the first surface of theportion of the electronic device that faces the second film surface.

In some embodiments, where the second film surface has a backingmaterial, and where at least one backing tab is attached to the backingmaterial, and where the at least one backing tab is utilized to removethe backing material, hereby resulting in the second film surface thatis capable of adhering to the first surface of the portion of theelectronic device.

In some embodiments, the at least one first alignment tab and the atleast one second alignment tab are capable of disengaging from theprotective film hereby resulting in the electronic device that the firstsurface of the portion of the electronic device to be protected with theprotective film when the portion of the electronic device is removedfrom the first cavity of the first cutout.

In some embodiments, the first alignment portion of the at least onefirst alignment tab comprises a first adhesive portion, where the firstadhesive portion of is capable of: i) adhering the first alignmentportion of the at least one first alignment tab to a second bottomsurface of the at least one second cutout and ii) disengaging the firstalignment portion of the at least one first alignment tab from thesecond bottom surface of the at least one second cutout, where thesecond alignment portion of the at least one second alignment tabcomprises a second adhesive portion, and where the second adhesiveportion of is capable of i) adhering the second alignment portion of theat least one second alignment tab to a third bottom surface of the atleast one third cutout, and ii) disengaging the second alignment portionof the at least one second alignment tab from the third bottom surfaceof the at least one third cutout.

In some embodiments, the first surface of the portion of the electronicdevice has at least one screen of the electronic device.

In some embodiments, the first sidewall of the first cavity and thesecond sidewall of the first cavity are the same sidewall.

In some embodiments, the first sidewall of the first cavity and thesecond sidewall of the first cavity are different.

In some embodiments, the first sidewall of the first cavity and thesecond sidewall of the first cavity are substantially opposite withrespect to each other.

In some embodiments, the second surface of the portion of the electronicdevice has at least one screen of the electronic device.

In some embodiments, the tray is made out of at least one materialselected from the group consisting of: paper-based, plastic-based,metal-based, and rubber-based material.

In some embodiments, the instant invention provides for a method ofinstalling a protective film for an electronic device where the methodcan include at least the following steps: providing a tray, where thetray has: i) a first cutout, where the first cutout extends from a topsurface of the tray into a body of the tray, and where a first cavity ofthe first cutout has a first shape that matches a portion of anelectronic device hereby enabling the portion of the electronic deviceto be capable of being at least partially placed within the first cavitysuch that a first surface of the portion of the electronic device facesa first bottom surface of the first cavity; ii) at least one secondcutout, where the at least one second cutout extends from a firstsidewall of the first cavity of the first cutout into the body of thetray and where the at least one second has a second cavity that has asecond shape; and iii) at lest one third cutout, where the at least onethird cutout extends from a second sidewall of the first cavity of thefirst cutout into the body of the tray, and where the at least one thirdcutout has a third cavity that has a third shape; and providing theprotective film for the electronic device, where the protective film hasa fourth shape that is equal to a fifth shape of the first surface ofthe portion of the electronic device, where at least one first alignmenttab and at least one second alignment tab are attached to a first filmsurface of the protective film, where the at least one first alignmenttab comprises a first alignment portion that extends from an edge of theprotective film, where the at least one second alignment tab comprises asecond alignment portion that extends from the edge of the protectivefilm, where the protective film has a second film surface that iscapable of adhering to the first surface of the portion of theelectronic device, where the first alignment portion of the at least onefirst alignment tab matches the second shape of the second cavity of theat least one second cutout and where the second alignment portion of theat least one second alignment tab matches the third shape of the atleast one third cutout so that: i) the at least one first alignment taband the at least one second alignment tab are capable of aligning theprotective film within the first cavity of the first cutout when theprotective film is placed within the first cavity of the first cutout,hereby resulting in the second film surface being aligned with the firstsurface of the portion of the electronic device that faces the secondfilm surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be further explained with reference to theattached drawings, wherein like structures are referred to by likenumerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are notnecessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed uponillustrating the principles of the present invention. Further, somefeatures may be exaggerated to show details of particular components.

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate certain features of some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates certain features of some further embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates certain features of some further embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates certain features of some further embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate certain features of some further embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates certain features of some further embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates certain features of some further embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates yet certain features of some further embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates yet certain features of some further embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates yet certain features of some further embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates yet certain features of some further embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates yet certain features of some further embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates yet certain features of some further embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates yet certain features of some further embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate certain features of some further embodiments ofthe present invention

FIG. 16 illustrates yet certain features of some further embodiments ofthe present invention.

The figures constitute a part of this specification and includeillustrative embodiments of the present invention and illustrate variousobjects and features thereof. Further, the figures are not necessarilyto scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particularcomponents. In addition, any measurements, specifications and the likeshown in the figures are intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, otherobjects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures. Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in variousforms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with thevarious embodiments of the invention which are intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take themeanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The phrases “In some embodiments” and “in someembodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment(s), though it may. Furthermore, the phrases “in anotherembodiment” and “in some other embodiments” as used herein do notnecessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, asdescribed below, various embodiments of the invention may be readilycombined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or”operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive andallows for being based on additional factors not described, unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout thespecification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

In some embodiments, the instant invention can be utilized in a form ofa kit that includes a tray. In some embodiments, the tray can be astand-alone item or the tray can be a part of the kit's package. In someembodiments, the tray has a first cutout, where the first cutout extendsfrom a top surface of the tray into a body of the tray and the firstcutout is sufficiently sized so that a first shape of the first cutoutmatches a second shape of a first surface of a portion of an electronicdevice hereby allowing the portion of the electronic device, which hasat least one screen, to be capable of at least partially fitting withina cavity of the first cutout such that the first surface of the portionof the electronic device faces a first bottom surface of the firstcutout.

In some embodiments, the first shape of the first cutout matches thesecond shape of the first surface of the portion of the electronicdevice when there is only an insignificant tolerance (i.e., a space)between an internal surface of sidewalls of the first cutout and anoutside surface of sidewalls of the portion of the electronic devicethat is fitted into a cavity of the first cutout. In some embodiments,the tolerance is less than 1 mm. In some embodiments, the tolerance isless than 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the tolerance is less than 0.25mm. In some embodiments, the tolerance is such that there is onlyinsignificant free movement of the portion of the electronic devicewithin the cavity of the first cutout.

In some embodiments, the tray has at least one second cutout. In someembodiments, the at least one second cutout extends from a sidewall ofthe first cutout into the body of the tray. In some embodiments, if thefirst cutout has generally a square shape or a rectangular shape, the atleast one second cutout can extend from a sidewall of a side of thefirst cutout or a corner of two sides of the first cutout into the bodyof the tray. In some embodiments, if the first cutout has generally anoval shape, the at least one second cutout can extend from a portion ofa wall along a circumference of the first cutout into the body of thetray.

In some embodiments, the shape of the at least one second cutout matchesan alignment portion of a first alignment tab that is attached to aprotective film that would be installed over the portion of theelectronic device by utilizing the tray. In some embodiments, thealignment portion of the first alignment tab extends from the protectivefilm and is fitted within a cavity of the at least one second cutoutwhen the protective film is placed within the at least one first cutout.

In some embodiments, the shape of the second cutout matches thealignment portion of the first alignment tab when there is only aninsignificant tolerance (i.e., the size of the space) between aninternal surface of sidewalls of the second cutout and outside surfaceof sidewalls of the alignment portion of the first alignment tab that isfitted into the cavity of the second cutout. In some embodiments, thetolerance is less than 1 mm. In some embodiments, the tolerance is lessthan 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the tolerance is less than 0.25 mm. Insome embodiments, the tolerance is such that there is only insignificantfree movement of the protective film within the cavity of the firstcutout and is only insignificant free movement of the alignment portionof the first alignment tab within the cavity of the second cutout.

In some embodiments, there can be at least two second cutouts thatextend from the same sidewall of the first cutout into the body of thetray. In some embodiments, there can be at least three second cutoutsthat extend from the same sidewall of the first cutout into the body ofthe tray. In some embodiments, there can be a plurality of the secondcutouts that extend from the same sidewall of the first cutout into thebody of the tray.

It is understood that each of the second cutouts has a correspondingalignment tab attached to the protective film such that the alignmentportion of the alignment tab—i.e., the portion that extends from a side(border) of the protective film—matches a particular shape of itscorresponding second cutout when it is fitted within a cavity of itscorresponding second cutout. In some embodiments, each of the pluralityof the second cutouts can have a shape that differs from shapes ofothers. In some embodiments, the shape of at least the alignment portionof a particular alignment tab can have a 3-D configuration that thathave a substantial vertical component whose outside surface would matchthat internal vertical surface of sidewalls (of the cavity) of thesecond cutout. In some embodiments, the vertical component of the shapeof the alignment portion of the alignment tab can have a height of over1 mm. In some embodiments, the vertical component of the shape of thealignment portion of the alignment tab can have a height of over 2 mm.In some embodiments, the vertical component of the shape of thealignment portion of the alignment tab can have a height of over 5 mm.In some embodiments, the vertical component of the shape of thealignment portion of the alignment tab can have a height correspondingto a depth of the second cutout. In some embodiments, some but not allsecond cutouts can have the same shape.

In some embodiments, the tray can additionally have at least one thirdcutout. In some embodiments, the at least one third cutout can extendfrom a sidewall of the first cutout into the body of the tray. In someembodiments, the at least one third cutout can extend into the body ofthe tray from a portion of the sidewall of the first cutout such thatthe at least one third cutout is located in a generally oppositeconfiguration to the location of the at least one second cutout. In someembodiments, there can be a plurality of the at least one second cutoutsthat extend from a first general location of the sidewall of the firstcutout and there can be the plurality of the at least one third cutoutsthat extend from a second general location of the sidewall of the firstcutout which is generally opposite to the first general location. Insome embodiments, a number of the second cutouts corresponds to a numberof the third cutouts. In some embodiments, a number of the secondcutouts does not correspond to a number of the third cutouts. In someembodiments, there can be, for example, two second cutouts and threethird cutouts. In some embodiments, each of third cutouts can have thesame shape as other third cutouts or can have a different shape. In someembodiments, some but not all third cutouts can have the same shape.

It is understood that each of the third cutouts would have acorresponding alignment tab attached to the protective film such thatthe alignment portion of the alignment tab—i.e., the portion thatextends from a side (border) of the protective film—matches a particularshape of its corresponding third cutout when it is fitted within acavity of its corresponding third cutout. In some embodiments, the shapeof at least the alignment portion of a particular alignment tab can havea 3-D configuration that that have a substantial vertical componentwhose outside surface would match that internal vertical surface ofsidewalls (of the cavity) of the third cutout. In some embodiments, thevertical component of the shape of the alignment portion of thealignment tab can have a height of over 1 mm. In some embodiments, thevertical component of the shape of the alignment portion of thealignment tab can have a height of over 2 mm. In some embodiments, thevertical component of the shape of the alignment portion of thealignment tab can have a height of over 5 mm. In some embodiments, thevertical component of the shape of the alignment portion of thealignment tab can have a height corresponding to a depth of the secondcutout. In some embodiments, some but not all second cutouts can havethe same shape.

In some embodiments, the shapes of the alignment portions of thealignment tabs that correspond to the second and the third cutout can bethe same or can be different. In some embodiments, the alignment tab(s)is/are directly attached the protective film. In some embodiments, thealignment tab(s) is/are attached the protective film through anintermediate (e.g., a suitable double-sided adhesive tape, etc.)

In some embodiments, in addition to the tray that is detailed above, thekit includes, but is not limited to, the protective film for theelectronic device. In some embodiments, a shape of the protective filmis equal to the second shape of the first surface of the portion of theelectronic device that is capable of being fitted within the cavity ofthe first cutout. In some embodiments, prior to the being installed ontothe electronic device, the protective film has a backing materialattached to a first surface of the protective film which adheres to theportion of the electronic device upon the installation. In someembodiments, there is one or more backing tabs attached to the backingmaterial to assist in removal of the backing material during theinstallation process.

In some embodiments, one or more of the alignment tabs, detailed above,are attached to a second surface of the protective film, which isopposite to the first surface of the protective film. In someembodiments, during the installation process, by matching of one or moreof the alignment tabs to one or more of the second cutouts or to one ormore of the second and one or more of the third cutouts, one or more ofthe alignment tabs are capable of aligning the protective film withinthe cavity of the first cutout such that one or more backing tab isaccessible to be used for the removal of the backing material from theprotective film. In some embodiments, after the portion of theelectronic device is placed within the cavity of the first cutout inwhich the protective film has been placed and aligned, the protectivefilm adheres to a surface of the portion of the electronic device thatfaces the protective film.

In some embodiments, after the electronic device with the attachedprotective film is taken out from the cavity of the first cutout, thealignment tabs, detailed above and below, are capable of disengagingfrom the protective film. In some embodiments, after the electronicdevice with the attached protective film is taken out from the cavity ofthe first cutout, the alignment tab(s), detailed above and below, is/arecapable of disengaging from the protective film without compromising theadherence of the protective film to the electronic device. In someembodiments, the alignment tab(s) is/are capable of disengaging from theprotective film without leaving aftereffect(s) of being previouslyattached to the protective film prior to and during the installationprocess.

In some embodiments, the alignment portion of the alignment tab(s) canexhibit an adhesive property that can allow the alignment portion tofurther secure the alignment portion of a particular alignment tabwithin a cavity of a corresponding second or third cutout. In someembodiments, the adhesive property of the alignment portion is based onone or more materials from which at least of the alignment portion ismade of. In some embodiments, the adhesive property of the alignmentportion is based on having an adhesive coating applied to a surface ofthe alignment portion that, for example, would contact a bottom side ofthe second or the third cutout.

In some embodiments, the tray can be made from any suitable materialselected from the group of: paper-based, plastic-based, rubber-based,and metal-based materials.

In some embodiments, the alignment tab(s) can be made from any suitablematerial selected from the group of: paper-based, plastic-based,rubber-based, and metal-based materials.

FIGS. 1A and 1B shows an exemplary protective film (100) in accordancewith some embodiments of the instant invention. The protective film(100) has three tabs attached to it. There are two alignment tabs (101and 102) which are attached to the same surface of the protective film(100). And, there is an backing tab (105) which is attached to a backingmaterial covering the opposite surface of the protective film (100). Thealignment tab (101) has an alignment portion (103) that extends from(i.e., outside of) the protective film (100). The alignment tab (102)has an alignment portion (104) that extends from (i.e., outside of) theprotective film (100).

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary protective film (200) in accordance with someembodiments of the instant invention. The protective film (200) hasthree tabs attached to it. There are two alignment tabs (201 and 202)which are attached to the same surface of the protective film (200).And, there is an backing tab (205) which is attached to a backingmaterial covering the opposite surface of the protective film (200). Thealignment tab (201) has an alignment portion (203) that extends from(i.e., outside of) the protective film (200). The alignment tab (202)has an alignment portion (204) that extends from (i.e., outside of) theprotective film (200).

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary packaging (306) of an exemplary kit thatincludes an exemplary tray (307) designed in accordance with someembodiments of the instant invention. The tray (307) has three cutoutsin the body of the tray. The first cutout (308) is a cutout into which:(1) a matching protective film (e.g., one of the protective films 100and 200 of FIGS. 1 and 2) is placed and (2) a matching portion of anelectronic device that is to be protected by the protective film is thenalso placed. A second cutout (309) and a third cutout (310) are cutoutsin which matching alignment portions of corresponding alignment tabsattached to the matching protective film would reside. As FIG. 3 shows,the second cutout (309) and the third cutout (310) are positioned acrossfrom each other and extend from the opposite sides of the first cutout(308).

FIG. 4 shows schematic diagrams of exemplary processes performed inaccordance with the principles of the instant invention. The exemplary“film preparation diagram” shows three illustrative steps that can beused for placing the protective film (400) into the first cutout (408)and the removal of the backing material (411) from the side by which theprotective film (408) attaches to a surface of the electronic device(412) that has, for example, a screen. As the “film preparation diagram”shows, the protective film (400) is aligned within a cavity of the firstcutout (408) by aligning the matching alignment portions (404 and 403)of the alignment tabs within cavities of the second and third cutouts(409 and 410.) As the exemplary “film preparation diagram” shows, thebacking material (411) can be removed from the protective film (400)without the utilizing the backing tab(s).

The exemplary “film installation diagram” shows three illustrative stepsthat can be used for attaching the protective film (400) to a surface ofthe electronic device (412). In step 1, after the backing material (411)is removed during the exemplary “film preparation” stage, the matchingportion of the electronic device (412) is placed into the cavity of thefirst cutout (408). In step 2, the matching protective film (400) isattached to the matching portion of the electronic device (412). In step3, the electronic device (412) is removed from the first cutout of thetray (407) and the alignment tabs are disengaged from the protectivefilm (400), resulting in the electronic device (412) with the protectivefilm (400) attached to a surface of the electronic device (412) that hasa screen (413).

FIGS. 5A and 5B show an exemplary tray (507) designed in accordance withsome embodiments of the instant invention. The tray (507) has threecutouts in the body of the tray. The first cutout (508) is a cutout intowhich: (1) a matching protective film is placed and (2) a matchingportion of an electronic device that is to be protected by the matchingprotective film is then also placed. The second cutout (509) and thethird cutout (510) are cutouts in which matching alignment portions ofcorresponding alignment tabs attached to the matching protective filmwould reside. As FIGS. 5A and 5B show, the second cutout (509) and thethird cutout (510) are positioned across from each other and extend fromopposite sidewalls of the first cutout (508).

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary tray (607) and an exemplary matchingprotective film (600) that are designed in accordance with someembodiments of the instant invention. The tray (607) has three cutoutsin the body of the tray. The first cutout (608) is a cutout into which:(1) a matching protective film (600) is placed and (2) a matchingportion of an electronic device that is to be protected by the matchingprotective film is then also placed. The second cutout (609) and thethird cutout (610) are cutouts in which matching alignment portions (603and 604) of corresponding alignment tabs (601 and 602) attached to thematching protective film (600) would reside. There is also a backing tab(605) attached to a backing material located on a first surface of theprotective film (600) which is opposite to a second surface to which thealignment tabs (601 and 602) are attached to.

FIGS. 7-11 show various views of additional exemplary trays designed inaccordance with some embodiments of the instant invention.

FIG. 12 shows another exemplary tray (1207) and another exemplarymatching protective film (1200) that are designed in accordance withsome embodiments of the instant invention.

In some embodiments, the instant invention provides for a kit thatincludes at leaste the following components: a tray, where the tray has:i) a first cutout, where the first cutout extends from a top surface ofthe tray into a body of the tray, and where a first cavity of the firstcutout has a first shape that matches a portion of an electronic devicehereby enabling the portion of the electronic device to be capable ofbeing at least partially placed within the first cavity such that afirst surface of the portion of the electronic device faces a firstbottom surface of the first cavity; ii) at least one second cutout,where the at least one second cutout extends from a first sidewall ofthe first cavity of the first cutout into the body of the tray and wherethe at least one second has a second cavity that has a second shape; andiii) at lest one third cutout, where the at least one third cutoutextends from a second sidewall of the first cavity of the first cutoutinto the body of the tray, and where the at least one third cutout has athird cavity that has a third shape; and a protective film for theelectronic device, where the protective film has a fourth shape that isequal to a fifth shape of the first surface of the portion of theelectronic device, where at least one first alignment tab and at leastone second alignment tab are attached to a first film surface of theprotective film, where the at least one first alignment tab comprises afirst alignment portion that extends from an edge of the protectivefilm, where the at least one second alignment tab comprises a secondalignment portion that extends from the edge of the protective film,where the protective film has a second film surface that is capable ofadhering to the first surface of the portion of the electronic device,where the first alignment portion of the at least one first alignmenttab matches the second shape of the second cavity of the at least onesecond cutout and where the second alignment portion of the at least onesecond alignment tab matches the third shape of the at least one thirdcutout so that: i) the at least one first alignment tab and the at leastone second alignment tab are capable of aligning the protective filmwithin the first cavity of the first cutout when the protective film isplaced within the first cavity of the first cutout, hereby resulting inthe second film surface being aligned with the first surface of theportion of the electronic device that faces the second film surface.

In some embodiments, where the second film surface has a backingmaterial, and where at least one backing tab is attached to the backingmaterial, and where the at least one backing tab is utilized to removethe backing material, hereby resulting in the second film surface thatis capable of adhering to the first surface of the portion of theelectronic device.

In some embodiments, the at least one first alignment tab and the atleast one second alignment tab are capable of disengaging from theprotective film hereby resulting in the electronic device that the firstsurface of the portion of the electronic device to be protected with theprotective film when the portion of the electronic device is removedfrom the first cavity of the first cutout.

In some embodiments, the first alignment portion of the at least onefirst alignment tab comprises a first adhesive portion, where the firstadhesive portion of is capable of: i) adhering the first alignmentportion of the at least one first alignment tab to a second bottomsurface of the at least one second cutout and ii) disengaging the firstalignment portion of the at least one first alignment tab from thesecond bottom surface of the at least one second cutout, where thesecond alignment portion of the at least one second alignment tabcomprises a second adhesive portion, and where the second adhesiveportion of is capable of i) adhering the second alignment portion of theat least one second alignment tab to a third bottom surface of the atleast one third cutout, and ii) disengaging the second alignment portionof the at least one second alignment tab from the third bottom surfaceof the at least one third cutout.

In some embodiments, the first surface of the portion of the electronicdevice has at least one screen of the electronic device.

In some embodiments, the first sidewall of the first cavity and thesecond sidewall of the first cavity are the same sidewall.

In some embodiments, the first sidewall of the first cavity and thesecond sidewall of the first cavity are different.

In some embodiments, the first sidewall of the first cavity and thesecond sidewall of the first cavity are substantially opposite withrespect to each other.

In some embodiments, the second surface of the portion of the electronicdevice has at least one screen of the electronic device.

In some embodiments, the tray is made out of at least one materialselected from the group consisting of: paper-based, plastic-based,metal-based, and rubber-based material.

In some embodiments, the instant invention provides for a method ofinstalling a protective film for an electronic device where the methodcan include at least the following steps: providing a tray, where thetray has: i) a first cutout, where the first cutout extends from a topsurface of the tray into a body of the tray, and where a first cavity ofthe first cutout has a first shape that matches a portion of anelectronic device hereby enabling the portion of the electronic deviceto be capable of being at least partially placed within the first cavitysuch that a first surface of the portion of the electronic device facesa first bottom surface of the first cavity; ii) at least one secondcutout, where the at least one second cutout extends from a firstsidewall of the first cavity of the first cutout into the body of thetray and where the at least one second has a second cavity that has asecond shape; and iii) at lest one third cutout, where the at least onethird cutout extends from a second sidewall of the first cavity of thefirst cutout into the body of the tray, and where the at least one thirdcutout has a third cavity that has a third shape; and providing theprotective film for the electronic device, where the protective film hasa fourth shape that is equal to a fifth shape of the first surface ofthe portion of the electronic device, where at least one first alignmenttab and at least one second alignment tab are attached to a first filmsurface of the protective film, where the at least one first alignmenttab comprises a first alignment portion that extends from an edge of theprotective film, where the at least one second alignment tab comprises asecond alignment portion that extends from the edge of the protectivefilm, where the protective film has a second film surface that iscapable of adhering to the first surface of the portion of theelectronic device, where the first alignment portion of the at least onefirst alignment tab matches the second shape of the second cavity of theat least one second cutout and where the second alignment portion of theat least one second alignment tab matches the third shape of the atleast one third cutout so that: i) the at least one first alignment taband the at least one second alignment tab are capable of aligning theprotective film within the first cavity of the first cutout when theprotective film is placed within the first cavity of the first cutout,hereby resulting in the second film surface being aligned with the firstsurface of the portion of the electronic device that faces the secondfilm surface.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show another exemplary trays (1307, 1407) designed inaccordance with some embodiments of the instant invention. The trays(1307, 1407) have exemplary platforms (1314, 1414) positioned withincavities of exemplary first cutouts (1308, 1408). The platforms (1314,1414) have a first shape that matches a second shape of an area of anelectronic device that needs to be protected by a matching protectivefilm.

FIGS. 15 and 16A-16B show an exemplary tray (1507) and an exemplarymatching protective film (1500) that are designed in accordance withsome embodiments of the instant invention. The tray (1507) has anexemplary platform (1514) positioned within a cavity of an exemplaryfirst cutout (1508). The platforms (1514) has a first shape that matchesa second shape of a matching protective film (1500) that would protect amatching area of a particular electronic device (e.g., the depressedindentation of the screen on the device.) There are alignment tabs (1501and 1502) having corresponding alignment portions (1503 and 1504). Thealignment tabs (1501 and 1502) are attached to the same side of thematching protective film (1500), and a backing tab (1505) is attached toa backing material located on the opposite side of the protective film(1500). During the installation, in some embodiments of the instantinvention, the protective film (1500) is placed on the platform (1514),and the alignment portions (1503 and 1504) are respectively aligned withmatching alignment mechanisms (1516 and 1517) located on the bottomsurface of the exemplary tray (1507). In some embodiments of the instantinvention, the alignment portions (1503 and 1504) are further attached(adhere or secure) to the respective alignment mechanisms (1516 and1517). In some embodiments of the instant invention, the alignmentmechanisms (1516 and 1517) are structures that sufficiently raise fromthe bottom surface of the exemplary tray (1507) to allow the alignmentportions (1503 and 1504) to align the protective film (1500). In someembodiments, once the backing is removed, the screen of the device fitsdown over the now slightly raised film and the tray's (1507) wallsserving as an outside guide alignment. In some embodiments, the tray's(1507) walls further have finger cutouts (1515) to facilitate loweringand removing the electronic device from the tray (1507).

FIG. 16 shows another exemplary packaging in accordance with someembodiments of the instant invention as, for example, described abovereferencing FIGS. 15A-15C. In some embodiments, the exemplary packagingfeatures a slightly raised platform as the central feature which willcorrespond to the depressed indentation of the screen on the device.Further, the packaging is scored such that the packaging is capable ofbeing able to be folded into a box that squares with the outside edge ofa particular electronic device to secure alignment of the device overthe platform. In some embodiments, the protective film is then placed onthe platform and aligned properly with the alignment tabs which canadhere (secure) to the bottom surface of the packaging. In someembodiments, once the backing is removed, the screen of the device fitsdown over the now slightly raised film—the packaging's box serving asthe outside guide alignment.

While a number of embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, it is understood that these embodiments are illustrativeonly, and not restrictive, and that many modifications may becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, any steps ofany methods described herein may be carried out in any desired order(and any steps may be added and/or deleted).

What is claimed is:
 1. A kit, comprising: a tray, wherein the tray has:i) a first cutout, wherein the first cutout extends from a top surfaceof the tray into a body of the tray, and wherein a first cavity of thefirst cutout has a first shape that matches a portion of an electronicdevice hereby enabling the portion of the electronic device to becapable of being at least partially placed within the first cavity suchthat a first surface of the portion of the electronic device faces afirst bottom surface of the first cavity; ii) at least one secondcutout, wherein the at least one second cutout extends from a firstsidewall of the first cavity of the first cutout into the body of thetray and wherein the at least one second has a second cavity that has asecond shape; and iii) at lest one third cutout, wherein the at leastone third cutout extends from a second sidewall of the first cavity ofthe first cutout into the body of the tray, and wherein the at least onethird cutout has a third cavity that has a third shape; and a protectivefilm for the electronic device, wherein the protective film has a fourthshape that is equal to a fifth shape of the first surface of the portionof the electronic device, wherein at least one first alignment tab andat least one second alignment tab are attached to a first film surfaceof the protective film, wherein the at least one first alignment tabcomprises a first alignment portion that extends from an edge of theprotective film, wherein the at least one second alignment tab comprisesa second alignment portion that extends from the edge of the protectivefilm, wherein the protective film has a second film surface that iscapable of adhering to the first surface of the portion of theelectronic device, wherein the first alignment portion of the at leastone first alignment tab matches the second shape of the second cavity ofthe at least one second cutout and wherein the second alignment portionof the at least one second alignment tab matches the third shape of theat least one third cutout so that: i) the at least one first alignmenttab and the at least one second alignment tab are capable of aligningthe protective film within the first cavity of the first cutout when theprotective film is placed within the first cavity of the first cutout,hereby resulting in the second film surface being aligned with the firstsurface of the portion of the electronic device that faces the secondfilm surface.
 2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the second film surface hasa backing material, and wherein at least one backing tab is attached tothe backing material, and wherein the at least one backing tab isutilized to remove the backing material, hereby resulting in the secondfilm surface that is capable of adhering to the first surface of theportion of the electronic device.
 3. The kit of claim 1, Wherein the atleast one first alignment tab and the at least one second alignment tabare capable of disengaging from the protective film hereby resulting inthe electronic device that the first surface of the portion of theelectronic device to be protected with the protective film when theportion of the electronic device is removed from the first cavity of thefirst cutout.
 4. The kit of claim 1, wherein the first alignment portionof the at least one first alignment tab comprises a first adhesiveportion, wherein the first adhesive portion of is capable of: i)adhering the first alignment portion of the at least one first alignmenttab to a second bottom surface of the at least one second cutout and ii)disengaging the first alignment portion of the at least one firstalignment tab from the second bottom surface of the at least one secondcutout, wherein the second alignment portion of the at least one secondalignment tab comprises a second adhesive portion, and wherein thesecond adhesive portion of is capable of i) adhering the secondalignment portion of the at least one second alignment tab to a thirdbottom surface of the at least one third cutout, and ii) disengaging thesecond alignment portion of the at least one second alignment tab fromthe third bottom surface of the at least one third cutout.
 5. The kit ofclaim 1, wherein the first surface of the portion of the electronicdevice has at least one screen of the electronic device.
 6. The kit ofclaim 1, wherein the first sidewall of the first cavity and the secondsidewall of the first cavity are the same sidewall.
 7. The kit of claim1, wherein the first sidewall of the first cavity and the secondsidewall of the first cavity are different.
 8. The kit of claim 1,wherein the first sidewall of the first cavity and the second sidewallof the first cavity are substantially opposite with respect to eachother.
 9. The kit of claim 1, wherein the second surface of the portionof the electronic device has at least one screen of the electronicdevice.
 10. The kit of claim 1, wherein the tray is made out of at leastone material selected from the group consisting of: paper-based,plastic-based, metal-based, and rubber-based material.
 11. A method ofinstalling a protective film for an electronic device, comprising:providing a tray, wherein the tray has: i) a first cutout, wherein thefirst cutout extends from a top surface of the tray into a body of thetray, and wherein a first cavity of the first cutout has a first shapethat matches a portion of an electronic device hereby enabling theportion of the electronic device to be capable of being at leastpartially placed within the first cavity such that a first surface ofthe portion of the electronic device faces a first bottom surface of thefirst cavity; ii) at least one second cutout, wherein the at least onesecond cutout extends from a first sidewall of the first cavity of thefirst cutout into the body of the tray and wherein the at least onesecond has a second cavity that has a second shape; and iii) at lest onethird cutout, wherein the at least one third cutout extends from asecond sidewall of the first cavity of the first cutout into the body ofthe tray, and wherein the at least one third cutout has a third cavitythat has a third shape; and providing the protective film for theelectronic device, wherein the protective film has a fourth shape thatis equal to a fifth shape of the first surface of the portion of theelectronic device, wherein at least one first alignment tab and at leastone second alignment tab are attached to a first film surface of theprotective film, wherein the at least one first alignment tab comprisesa first alignment portion that extends from an edge of the protectivefilm, wherein the at least one second alignment tab comprises a secondalignment portion that extends from the edge of the protective film,wherein the protective film has a second film surface that is capable ofadhering to the first surface of the portion of the electronic device,wherein the first alignment portion of the at least one first alignmenttab matches the second shape of the second cavity of the at least onesecond cutout and wherein the second alignment portion of the at leastone second alignment tab matches the third shape of the at least onethird cutout so that: i) the at least one first alignment tab and the atleast one second alignment tab are capable of aligning the protectivefilm within the first cavity of the first cutout when the protectivefilm is placed within the first cavity of the first cutout, herebyresulting in the second film surface being aligned with the firstsurface of the portion of the electronic device that faces the secondfilm surface.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the second filmsurface has a backing material, and wherein at least one backing tab isattached to the backing material, and wherein the at least one backingtab is utilized to remove the backing material, hereby resulting in thesecond film surface that is capable of adhering to the first surface ofthe portion of the electronic device.
 13. The method of claim 11,wherein the at least one first alignment tab and the at least one secondalignment tab are capable of disengaging from the protective film herebyresulting in the electronic device that the first surface of the portionof the electronic device to be protected with the protective film whenthe portion of the electronic device is removed from the first cavity ofthe first cutout.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the firstalignment portion of the at least one first alignment tab comprises afirst adhesive portion, wherein the first adhesive portion of is capableof: i) adhering the first alignment portion of the at least one firstalignment tab to a second bottom surface of the at least one secondcutout and ii) disengaging the first alignment portion of the at leastone first alignment tab from the second bottom surface of the at leastone second cutout, wherein the second alignment portion of the at leastone second alignment tab comprises a second adhesive portion, andwherein the second adhesive portion of is capable of i) adhering thesecond alignment portion of the at least one second alignment tab to athird bottom surface of the at least one third cutout, and ii)disengaging the second alignment portion of the at least one secondalignment tab from the third bottom surface of the at least one thirdcutout.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the first surface of theportion of the electronic device has at least one screen of theelectronic device.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the firstsidewall of the first cavity and the second sidewall of the first cavityare the same sidewall.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the firstsidewall of the first cavity and the second sidewall of the first cavityare different.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the first sidewall ofthe first cavity and the second sidewall of the first cavity aresubstantially opposite with respect to each other.
 19. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the second surface of the portion of the electronicdevice has at least one screen of the electronic device.
 20. The methodof claim 11, wherein the tray is made out of at least one materialselected from the group consisting of: paper-based, plastic-based,metal-based, and rubber-based material.